English Schools' Football Association

www.raf.mod.uk/careers

Kirkley High School (Suffolk) lifted the U16 Royal Air Force Girls’ Cup on Monday afternoon after overcoming Bridgnorth Endowed School (Shropshire) 3-2 at Manchester City Football Club.

Louise Sturman broke the deadlock on 16 minutes for Kirkley as both teams pushed to create chances early on. Bridgnorth didn’t have to wait too long for a response as Emma Askins was on hand to equalise for the Shropshire school on 32 minutes.

The second half began as the first half ended with both teams playing an exciting brand of football and providing a great advert for schools’ football in front of a vociferous support for both teams. Kirkley Captain, Paige Shorten put Kirkley back in front with a terrific free kick which sailed over the wall into the top corner.

Bridgnorth Captain, Gemma Kay, refused to lie down and led by example to strike home another equaliser for Bridgnoth to make it 2-2. The match continued to be open as it entered the final stages with both teams beginning to show signs of tiredness with all players showing fantastic commitment and enthusiasm.

U16 RAF Girls Champions : Kirkley HS

The defining moment of the match came on 67 minutes as a Kirkley striker ran through on goal, rounded the Bridgnorth keeper, Chelsea Maiklem, only to be upended with the goal gaping. The referee had no alternative and was quick to award a penalty.

The Kirkley Captain, accepted the responsibility of taking the spot kick and coolly stepped up and slotted the penalty home. With not much time remaining, Kirkley managed to hang on and lift the Cup in front of the Sky Sports News TV cameras and a delighted Suffolk support.

RAF Careers
U16 RAF Girls’ Cup Results